Contest 12 – Winner Interview – Anna Kononenkova

Interviewed by - Pragati Surana https://www.instagram.com/pragatisurana.ch/

Please tell us about your journey as an artist.

I've always loved drawing since I was a child. In my youth, I studied at an art studio, it was just a hobby. I wanted to go to art college. But my parents were against it. That's why I became a financier, and I've been working as a financier for 20 years. I had to give up drawing.

In 2021, I quit my job as a financier and decided that I wanted to fulfill my dream of becoming an artist. I've always admired hyperrealists, and I've followed many on social media. I thought I'd never be able to draw like that.

In 2023, I saw the Aron Honoré Academy of Hyperrealism on the Internet. So I decided to go there to study. I was fascinated by the work of the Academy's students. I graduated from the Academy in 2025.

The painting "The Secret of Butung", which takes part in your competition, is my graduation thesis at the Academy. Now I'm drawing hyperrealism. I really love this art direction. hyperrealism

What is your medium and why did you choose it?

I have always admired the ability of art to stop the moment. In my works, I strive for hyperrealism not for the sake of illusion, but for the sake of depth. Each work is an exploration of light, texture, and emotion. It is important to me that the viewer does not just pass by, but stops, holds his breath and sees the world as it is — incredibly detailed, lively, full of beauty. I paint portraits of girls to convey the subtlest shades of feelings; I paint animals because they are nature itself, honest and pure. My love of detail is respect for every line, for every glare. I want my work to remind people that beauty is everywhere, if we are ready to see it, I want people to feel as much as possible all the energy that comes from my paintings. I want to give people wonderful kind and joyful emotions.

What was the inspiration behind this work?

My work "The Secret of Butung" was inspired by the fact that I learned that our planet is home to a unique tribe of people with amazing electric eyes, the only one of its kind.

Butung Island in Indonesia. Mysterious people, until now no one knows exactly why they have such amazing eyes. I have always been amazed by everything unknown and incomprehensible.I was inspired to work at Trust by my boundless love for animals, and horses in particular. I admire how they can be friends with humans, and what devoted friends animals can become for humans. What complete mutual trust is born from this friendship

Who is your favorite artist? Why?

Oh, I have many favorite artists!

Until the moment I found out about hyperrealists, I adored Arkhip Kuindzhi. There is an amazing play of light and shadows in his works. I dream of learning how to "play" with light in my paintings in the same way. His light is alive.

Among the hyperrealists are Yigal Ozery and Simon Hennessy. This is the quality of work that I strive for.